Skills vs Degree

Professionals, Managers, Engineers and Technicians, also known as PMETs, form a huge part of the economy, especially in the developed cities today. However, what they face in the economy now, is the advancement of technology that is gradually improving. The rise of these technological advancements is leading to the redundancy of the PMETs as the technology slowly becomes more efficient in completing the jobs.

As such, should humans in the industry now strive to gain more skills or pursue a higher degree in order to stay relevant in the industry?

Today, with the change in how the economy works, many workers today are now entering a new system. Instead of traditional full-time jobs with a single employer, people are now working independently, taking up projects and gigs. Now made up of consultants, independent contractors, freelancers, and so on, this new economy system, also known as the gig economy, is emerging.

Is this change in the economy system something that we should embrace? Is it better or worse than the traditional system that we still see today?

The gig economy, is one made up of freelances, independent contractors, consultants and so on. They are replacing the traditional full-time economic system of workers.

Mainly working short-term projects and working from gig-to-gig, would the incoming group of employees have a greater advantage in increasing their number of skills than pursuing a higher degree in the specific field?

SkillsFuture is a Singapore national movement to provide Singaporeans with the opportunities to develop their fullest potential throughout life, regardless of their starting points. It provides a variety of resources to help citizens attain mastery of skills.

The movement helps individuals make well informed choices, develop integrated systems that responds to evolving needs, promotes employer recognition and career development based on skills and mastery as well as foster a culture that supports and celebrates lifelong learning.

Does this implementation movement greatly help the citizens prepare for the ever-changing economy?